Creative and cultural hotspot for tourists

Late last year, we helped highlight the South West as an
emerging cultural and creative hot spot to a group of journalists
visiting from overseas.

Now, the articles are starting to roll out - including this
story in the Hindustan Times.

Hailing from China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, South
Korea and Vietnam, the journalists toured the South West
in November as part of a wider visit to Australia.

The South West leg of the tour was organised by the Department
of Foreign Affairs and Trade in partnership with our
TradeStart program as part of efforts to increase awareness of the
creative industries.

More housing for older residents

We're proud to be playing a role in transforming the liveability
of the region.

One way we are doing so is through supporting the development of
more units for older people in some of the South West's smaller
towns.

By boosting the stock of affordable and appropriate housing for
the region's older residents, we are providing more opportunities
for people to stay living in the communities they call home - close
to their support network - as their needs change with age.

The official opening of the South West Ageing in Place Housing
Pilot and three new units at Pemberton Retirement Village are
recent examples of where we've played a role in growing
accommodation options in the region.

Pictured: South West Development Commission
regional development coordinator Billy Wellstead and Pemberton Aged
Accommodation president Gordon Smith in Pemberton.

Upgraded premise to aid emergency rescues

We were recently able to support the Busselton Volunteer Marine
Rescue Group - which provides a valuable service by performing
emergency search and rescue missions - to carry out its good
work.

A grant we provided enabled the group to expand its premises,
resulting in a better place to work and train from.

Importantly, the building extension has provided the space
necessary for the group's rescue boat to be stored while
hooked up to a tractor. This means the boat is ready to go and
volunteers can make a quick getaway when a distress call comes
in.

Connecting more of the region to opportunities

In another win for the South West, a new mobile base station has
been launched in Wellington Mill.

We were fortunate to be part of a recent event attended by
Telstra CEO Andy Penn that celebrated the fact there are now mobile
base stations in Wellington Mill as well as Lowden and
the Ferguson Valley.

The improved coverage will go a long way in allowing the
community to keep in contact with family and friends and run
businesses more effectively. Connectivity also plays an important
role in emergency situations.

Strengthening ties with China

We regularly work to foster connections between the South
West and international markets.

Last year, for example, we had the opportunity to showcase the
region to a group visiting as part of the Australia-China
Agricultural Cooperation Agreement.

The treaty level agreement between the Australian and Chinese
governments is designed to enhance cooperation across agricultural
industries, develop the trading relationship and provide a forum
for the exchange of scientific information.

The group comprised representatives from industry and
government, and had a focus on grain and beef cattle as
well as developing a broader look at the agricultural supply chains
across WA.

Pictured: SWDC industry development and
TradeStart advisor Simon Taylor with the visiting group having
a look at port-based operations in Bunbury.

Trade a focus during gourmet event

We worked to tempt the tastebuds of international buyers who
scoured the region seeking out local wine to import during the most
recent Margaret River Gourmet Escape.

Through our TradeStart program and in partnership with a wide
range of government and industry stakeholders including Austrade,
we organised for a group of buyers from China and South Korea to
visit the region during the high-profile foodie festival.

The timing of the delegation's visit allowed the region to be
showcased when its wine and food were being celebrated in the
international spotlight, helping to bring alive the
internationally-renowned Margaret River brand.

A highlight was a trade tasting event at Caves House Hotel on
November 17 that was opened by Federal Member for Forest Nola
Marino and Margaret River Wine Association chairperson Barry
House.